Friday, September 30, 2011

a little more romance


Some of you watched the prequel to this a couple of weeks ago. I must admit "Love's Everlasting Courage" looks interesting, maybe even more dramatic and romantic:) I promised to post when it was time to watch so here 'tis.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

a prayerful day

I had an epiphany about prayer while in St. Louis. Rather I felt the need to focus more on prayer here on the blog and privately. My prayer time is usually in the morning. I've learned from experience that if I don't begin the day that way things usually unravel.

The prayer room at ACFW in St. Louis was a busy place. I doubt it was ever empty. Someone was always on hand to pray with you, if needed. I often saw people praying in the hallways and other places. Very open and heartfelt. I have an author friend who is a master at this. Her prayers are really big bear hugs. She grabs you and doesn't let go till the praying is through:) You feel throughly covered!

Some of you who read this blog are going through heart-wrenching situations that are testing your head and heart to the limits. Many at conference were there despite overwhelming trials and physical problems. I've felt the prayer support of you readers when I needed it most - through edits and illness and family emergencies. It's sometimes hard to blog transparently about needs but I feel the Lord calls us to openness. No request is too small. Sometimes even small things distract and worry us so!

Are you in need of prayer today? Can you share a bit in a comment here or simply leave your name? God doesn't need specifics as He knows every need to the tiniest detail. Whatever you're comfortable with works. As we close out September and enter into an unknown autumn, I promise to pray for you daily.

Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire? ~Corrie Ten Boom

You may pray for an hour and still not pray. You may meet God for a moment and then be in touch with Him all day. ~Fredrik Wisloff

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

home from st. lou!























I arrived home last night after 3 flights from St. Louis and am so glad to be on solid ground! These are just a few of the pictures from our time there. I'm sure you see some friends and authors you know or love:) I'll provide more commentary when you comment. For now I've some unpacking to do and more!


Bless you all. You were missed!

Sunday, September 18, 2011

off to St. Lou...

I'm off to St. Louis this week to attend the American Christian Fiction Writers conference in Missouri. Interestingly, the new book I'm writing has some St. Lou connections so it will be fun spending time there. I promise to take lots of pictures and share them when I return.

Prayers appreciated for safe travel, health, and open doors. My heart is with those who are coming to interest publishers in their work - it's thrilling and frightening and overwhelming at the same time. But I'm living proof it can happen - and sometimes in the way you least expect it!

See you next week!

May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from another. ~Genesis 31:49






Thursday, September 15, 2011

love begins



Our 17th anniversary is Saturday and we're celebrating by going out to dinner and watching this movie, Love Begins. Randy will probably fall asleep on me as it's a romantic one but it looks quite good, don't you think? Anyway, here's hoping for 17 more wonderful years. And more movies like these:)

Have a blessed weekend...

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

close the door


So Jacob was left alone... ~Genesis 32:24

Left alone! What different emotions these words bring to mind for each of us! To some they mean loneliness and grief, but to others they may mean rest and quiet. To be left alone without God would be too horrible for words, while being left alone with him is a taste of heaven! And if His followers spent more time alone with Him, we would have spiritual giants again.

Our Master set an example for us. Remember how often He went to be alone with God? And there was a powerful purpose behind His command, "When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray." (Matt. 6:6).

Earnestly desire to get alone with God. If we neglect to do so, we not only rob ourselves of a blessing but rob others as well, since we will have no blessing to pass on to them. It may mean that we do less outward, visible work, but the work we do will have more depth and power. Another wonderful result will be that people will see "no one except Jesus" (Matt. 17:8) in our lives.


~Streams in the Dessert

Sunday, September 11, 2011

what's next...

Recently readers have been asking me what's next. So I thought I'd give you a little update on writing...

On September 1st I submitted the first book in my new series, The Ballantyne Legacy, to my editor. She'll read it and see if there are any changes to be made. Yes, it's a skittish wait. I've had 2 books that didn't have edits/editorial letters and one that required several weeks of rewrites. I'll leave you to guess which was which;)

Right now Revell is deciding on a title for this new book and the art team is considering the cover. I've been asked for my preferences regarding both and I was able to give some suggestions. I think this next one will look very different than the previous three. I should have both title and cover for you this fall. Then next year you'll see it on shelves. Stay tuned for some historical fireworks with this new series! Am hoping it gives you a sleepless night or two...

I've also begun book 2 in the series. This time I've had to leave my beloved 18th-century behind and make the leap into the 19th. The story begins in 1822 and I'm finding it oh so...civilized. Am just a few chapters in and already the characters are taking me places I had no intention of going... And not a fort or soldier or settler in sight!

Recently I've been blessed with two more reader pics. Roxanna looks right at home by the bust of George Washington and the miniature Liberty Bell. This is from the Providence Forum offices in Pennsylvania, home/host of the tour I took of historic Philadelphia this summer. If you're looking for an amazing, educational, Spirit-led tour, please visit their website as another tour is in the making for next summer. Bless you, Lori, for the pic!

And last but not least is my dear friend, Patti, in Kentucky. Love the shirt! I've met so many people through my books and Patti is one of the dearest. She's a voracious reader and writer herself. And has the cutest grandkids on the planet!

And now, just when you thought there couldn't possibly be another giveaway, there is! Buzz on over to Mary's at her winsome site and join in the fun. If you'd like to enter for a friend or relative, please do! I'll close comments here in hopes to see you there!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

everything

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.~Philippians 4:6

We are to take everything to God - little things, very little things, even what the world calls trivial things. Yes, we are to take everything, living all day long in holy fellowship with our heavenly Father and our precious Lord Jesus. We should develop something of a spiritual instinct, causing us to immediately turn to God when a concern keeps us awake at night. During those sleepless nights, we should speak to Him, bringing our various concerns before Him, no matter how small they may be. Also speak to the Lord about any trial you are facing or any difficulties you may have in your family or professional life.

May we take these truths to heart, instinctively walking in them, so the result will be lives that glorify God more abundantly than ever before.

~George Mueller, from Life of Trust

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

say yes to the dress!

This is a very silly, girly post so proceed with caution;)

In just a couple of weeks I'll head to St. Louis for the annual American Christian Fiction Writers conference. The web is abuzz with what's to come there. One of the highlights is attending the gala awards banquet the last night. It's quite fun since it's a chance to shuck those jeans and t-shirts and don some serious duds...

Here's literary agent extraordinaire, Chip MacGregor, in Denver two years ago posing with yours truly. No, he's not my agent but he sure looks dashing in a kilt! The Frontiersman's Daughter had just released and he reminded me of Ian Justus, a fellow Scotsman. Only I never put poor Ian in a kilt. Now I wish I had!

This year I need your help in deciding on a dress. There's an author dinner for Revell one night, a dessert night for Books&Such clients another, and then the awards banquet.

I found both these two dresses for a song recently but can't decide which to wear! I even have a pair of black pumps with a blossom swirl at the toe which matches the floral pattern in either dress. Add some faux pearl earrings and a necklace and you're all set.

The black and ivory dress has an organza bodice of roses with silky skirt with a V both front and back. It comes to the knee so is still quite modest. I don't like anything shorter than knee length. Call me a prude if you like;)

The black and silver dress is tea-length with a satin underdress and a sheer lace overlay that resembles a garden. I normally don't wear black but it seems so popular these days - and all I could find were black dresses!

Below are two close-ups of the one at right, both bodice and skirt. Both dresses are much prettier in person. My camera skills are also lacking but hopefully you have an idea.

I must be a girly girl as I love dressing up. And I'd love to know which dress you prefer - or maybe you'll tell me to head back to the mall... If you're going to St. Lou this year, what will you be wearing? Or are you staying home and dressing down instead?

Sunday, September 4, 2011

roxanna makes the rounds...

This week we find Roxanna putting on her gloves and hat and visiting several more creative blogs, each with a unique ministry and mesage. If you have a few minutes, please stop by - we'd love to see you!

First stop is Colonial Quills where MaryLu Tyndall, C.J. Chase, and yours truly give away copies of our new releases - all under the guise of a historic tea party:) If you haven't read Surrender the Dawn or Redeeming the Rogue, you're in for a treat! Skip the scones and tea! Even the covers are delicious...

Next is Renee who is celebrating her love of books by inviting quite a few authors to her birthday party. Only you readers get the gifts! You'll see Julie Lessman, Erica Vetsch, Maggie Brendan and others who have September releases. Stop by and you might just win...

Next stop is Christy at SouthernSassyThings (I so love the name of this blog!) for some porch time and book talk. Christy is the consummate southern hostess. You'll soon see:)

Then you'll meet Wanda who is a history lover like me. I've been blessed to know her through Revell's blog tours and she has a wonderful, Christ-centered blog. Giveaway going on there, too.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, I'm guesting at Making Home Work. There you'll get some tips for writing despite a very busy life. Naomi Rawlings is our hostess and she's a newly contracted author - her novel, Sanctuary for a Lady, debuts next spring. I've had a peek at Naomi's writing and have to say historical lovers are in for a wonderfully written, thoughtful read!

I'll close comments here in hopes of seeing you there.

Happy Labor Day!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

more quotes

Here are a few quotes that have meant a lot to me lately. As you can see, at least one of them is from my hero, Whitefield...

For as a good old Puritan observes, Christ is beholden to none of us for our hearts. We should never come to Jesus until we feel that we cannot live without Him.
~George Whitefield

Be humble, talk little, think and pray much. ~George Whitefield

Humble saints cannot think so well of themselves as others think of them, are not in love with their own shadow, nor do they magnify their own attainments. The love of God reigning in the heart will subdue all inordinate self-love. ~Matthew Henry

True service springs from a full and joyful heart, and runs over like the broad and boundless river. ~A.B. Simpson